Sports Out in the Open

Brandon Washington & Brittany Nevin

Sports Out In The Open - or SOooo - is where sports, culture, personality, and LGBTQ+ visibility all meet. 🏳️‍🌈🏈🏀⚾⚽🎾 We love sports, but we also know the best conversations rarely stop at the final score. SOooo is a sports podcast for fans who want the highlights, the history, the personalities, the controversies, the ridiculous moments, and the stories that deserve more attention. We talk about what happened, why it mattered, and occasionally why it had us staring at the screen asking, “What just happened?” Expect conversations about the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, International Football, Tennis, Track and Field, the Olympics, and plenty more. We’ll celebrate incredible performances, revisit unforgettable moments in sports history, debate the biggest stories of the week, and shine a spotlight on LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches, executives, fans, and trailblazers who have always been part of the sports world. Our goal is simple: make sports conversation more open without making it less fun. This isn’t a podcast where LGBTQ+ sports stories get pushed into a separate corner. They’re part of the whole conversation - right alongside championships, rivalries, bad calls, wild stat lines, hot takes, historic moments, and the occasional athlete who simply has us saying, “Need we say anything else?” 😂 Whether you’re a lifelong sports fanatic, a casual fan, part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, or someone who just loves a good story, there’s a seat for you here. Real sports. Real conversations. Out in the Open.

Episodes

  1. 14h ago

    Black, Gay & Finding Belonging in Sports | Brian Buck, the Blazers & Gay Bowl (6)

    🏳️‍🌈🏈 Sports, identity, chosen family, and a whole lot of honesty. In Episode 6 of Sports Out in the Open, Brittany Nevin and Brandon Washington sit down with Brian Buck for a conversation that goes far beyond the playing field. Buck has spent much of his life around sports, from basketball and rugby to working for the Portland Trail Blazers and competing in LGBTQ+ flag football leagues across the country. But what happens when the world of sports you love doesn't always make room for who you really are? Growing up in a religious household, Buck learned to keep his sexuality separate from his athletic life. He shares how that affected his confidence, his relationships, and his ability to feel completely comfortable being himself. The conversation gets even deeper as Buck discusses his experiences as a Black gay man living in Minneapolis, Portland, and Atlanta. Are supposedly progressive cities always as welcoming as they seem? And how do race and sexuality shape someone's experience in sports and everyday life? We also hear about Buck's years working for the Portland Trail Blazers, where he witnessed diversity, workplace dynamics, and the business side of professional basketball firsthand. 🏆 MORE THAN JUST A GAME One of the most powerful parts of the episode is Buck's experience with LGBTQ+ sports leagues. From winning Gay Bowl championships to reconnecting with friends across the country, he explains how queer athletic communities provide more than competition. They create friendships, support systems, and a sense of belonging that can genuinely change lives. Buck's perspective is a reminder that sometimes the most important thing you gain from sports isn't a trophy. It's the people standing beside you. 🔥 THEN WE GET INTO THE SPORTS! After our interview, Brittany and Brandon turn their attention to the latest headlines: ⚾ The Milwaukee Brewers finally capture a World Series championship, and Brandon explains why baseball's recent changes have made the game more exciting. 🏀 The Atlanta Dream's WNBA Finals scheduling controversy sparks a debate about respect, television audiences, and the treatment of women's sports. 🏈 The NFL season brings some friendly Packers and Panthers trash talk. 🏒 The Vegas Golden Knights are under the microscope as Brittany and Brandon discuss whether another Stanley Cup run is in the cards. 🎤 And the Super Bowl halftime show gets its own spirited debate, complete with Jay-Z predictions, potential surprise guests, and a few wildly ambitious ideas. It's a little serious, a little ridiculous, and completely Sports Out in the Open. 💬 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Have you found a sense of community through sports? What should professional leagues be doing differently to support LGBTQ+ athletes? And who would YOU want to see perform at the Super Bowl? Join the conversation and let us know! 🎙️ Sports Out in the Open is hosted by Brittany Nevin and Brandon Washington, bringing together mainstream sports, LGBTQ+ perspectives, honest conversations, and plenty of laughs. Open talk. Open minds. Open to all. 🏳️‍🌈 Follow us 👉🏿👉🏻 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sportsoutintheopen Instagram: @sportsoutintheopen Threads: @sportsoutintheopen TikTok: @sports.out.in.the.open Facebook: Sports Out in the Open X: @sportsoutinopen Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SportsOutintheOpen Content note: This episode includes discussions of discrimination, mental health struggles, and suicidal ideation.

  2. Oct 27

    Trans Athletes, WNBA Drama, NFL Injuries & Sports Rivalries | Sports Out in the Open (5)

    🏳️‍🌈🏀🏈⚾ Can sports embrace change without losing what makes them great? Welcome to Episode 5 of Sports Out in the Open! Brandon Washington and Brittany Nevin continue their conversation from Episode 4, exploring transgender inclusion, the WNBA's growing audience, football safety, baseball's global appeal, and the rivalries that make sports unforgettable. 🏳️‍⚧️ TRANS INCLUSION AND EVERYDAY ACCEPTANCE What does real inclusion look like? Brittany shares a surprisingly positive experience at a public golf course after telling someone she is transgender. The hosts discuss why everyday acceptance and broader social change matter when it comes to welcoming trans athletes. 🏀 WNBA PLAYOFFS, CAITLIN CLARK AND ANGEL REESE Brandon and Brittany unpack the WNBA playoffs, the Las Vegas Aces' exit, the Golden State Valkyries, and the Atlanta Dream moving to a larger arena to meet fan demand. They discuss how Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have brought new attention to the league, and the downside of that spotlight: scrutiny, fan behavior, and pressure on players. 🏈 FOOTBALL INJURIES AND FLAG FOOTBALL Are new helmets and safety measures enough to address the risks of concussions? The hosts consider the physical cost of tackle football and the growth of flag football ahead of its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. ⚾ COULD BASEBALL OVERTAKE THE NFL? With baseball's enormous international reach, could MLB someday challenge the NFL's popularity? The debate covers television audiences, global fandom, and why social-media numbers don't tell the whole story. 🔥 RIVALRIES, TEAM RELOCATIONS AND TAKING RISKS From Bears-Packers rivalry traditions to Oakland losing the Raiders and A's, the hosts explore why fans feel so connected to their teams and cities. Brittany also argues that sports leagues and owners need to be more willing to take risks. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:19 Trans inclusion and society's pace of change 05:13 Brittany finds unexpected acceptance on the golf course 07:02 Tennis wrap-up and WNBA playoff results 09:14 Why the WNBA is attracting new viewers 11:09 Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and league attention 17:11 Pressure of the WNBA spotlight 21:32 Fan reactions and Bears-Packers rivalry 23:08 Why franchise moves hurt cities like Oakland 30:09 Football injuries and flag football 34:56 Could baseball become bigger than the NFL? 36:23 Why sports need more risk-taking 39:04 Listener messages and announcements 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION! What does meaningful inclusion in sports look like? Has the WNBA changed how you watch basketball? Is football adapting enough to protect players? Could MLB ever surpass the NFL? Share your take! 🎙️ ABOUT THE SHOW Sports Out in the Open is hosted by Brandon Washington and Brittany Nevin. Expect sports news, debates, athlete stories, laughs, and an inclusive LGBTQ+ perspective. Open talk. Open minds. Open to all. 🏳️‍🌈 🎧 WATCH EPISODE 4: https://youtu.be/nLrjzq8SHrs 📺 SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@sportsoutintheopen 📱 FOLLOW US: Instagram: @sportsoutintheopen TikTok: @sportsoutintheopen Facebook: Sports Out in the Open Threads: @sportsoutintheopen X: @sportsoutinopen #SportsOutInTheOpen #WNBA #LGBTQSports

  3. Oct 21

    MLB Negotiation Deadline, Kyle Busch/Nascar Improvements, and China Open History (4)

    In this episode, Brandon Washington and Brittany Nevin discuss the latest developments in baseball playoffs, the impact of rule changes, and the future of umpiring with AI. They also touch on NASCAR, tennis, and the cultural significance of sports, offering insights into how technology and social issues shape the game. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:07 Discussion of baseball playoffs and team strategies 04:55 Impact of recent rule changes and the role of the commissioner 07:05 World Series predictions and team performances 11:02 Analysis of small market teams and their strategies 14:20 Historical context of baseball's dead ball era 20:02 Future of umpiring with AI and sensors 25:50 Predictions for the upcoming World Series 30:55 Cultural and social aspects of sports fandom and the Kyle Busch memorial 35:43 Recent developments in tennis and Chinese players 40:41 Closing remarks and appreciation for listeners 🎧 Sports Out In The Open is an LGBTQ+ sports podcast hosted by Brittany Nevin and Brandon Washington, bringing together sports, queer culture, history, current events, representation and the stories happening beyond the scoreboard. 💜 Want to help us grow? Join us on Patreon as a Founding Member or Founding Fabulous Member. Your support helps us improve production, grow the show and bring more guests and conversations to the podcast. Subscribe, like, comment and hit the notification bell so you don't miss the next episode. Open talk. Open minds. Open to all. 🏳️‍🌈 FOLLOW SPORTS OUT IN THE OPEN Instagram: instagram.com/sportsoutintheopen TikTok: tiktok.com/@sports.out.in.the.open Facebook: facebook.com/SportsOutintheOpen Threads: threads.com/@sportsoutintheopen X: x.com/sportsoutinopen Patreon: patreon.com/c/SportsOutintheOpen #SportsOutInTheOpen #LGBTQSports #SportsPodcast #NASCAR #MLB #NFL #Tennis #ChinaOpen

  4. Oct 8

    NASCAR, Identity, MLB Drama & NFL Week 4 | Sports Out In The Open (3)

    🏳️‍🌈 Episode 3 of Sports Out In The Open is here! 🎙️🏁⚾🎾🏈 This week, Brittany Nevin and Brandon Washington are covering a LOT of ground. We kick things off with NASCAR, including a discussion surrounding Kyle Busch and a broader conversation about identity and representation in NASCAR. From there, we head to baseball for one of the stranger stories we've discussed so far: the Chicago White Sox celibacy story. 👀 Then it’s time to talk postseason baseball. We get into the MLB Playoffs, the relationship between MLB and the MLBPA, the possibility of another lockout, and where Major League Baseball could go next if the league expands. We also head overseas for the China Open, before wrapping things up with our NFL Week 4 recap and some final thoughts. CHAPTERS 👋 Podcast Introduction — 01:02 🏁 Kyle Busch Memorial Discussion — 02:31 🏳️ Identity in NASCAR — 08:41 ⚾ Chicago White Sox Celibacy Story — 13:01 🏆 MLB Playoffs Discussion — 19:05 🤝 MLB Lockout & MLBPA — 26:33 🌎 MLB Expansion Possibilities — 34:31 🎾 China Open Tennis — 40:49 🏈 NFL Week 4 Recap — 47:49 🎙️ Reflections & Conclusion — 56:52 🎧 Sports Out In The Open is an LGBTQ+ sports podcast hosted by Brittany Nevin and Brandon Washington, bringing together sports, queer culture, history, current events, representation and the stories happening beyond the scoreboard. 💜 Want to help us grow? Join us on Patreon as a Founding Member or Founding Fabulous Member. Your support helps us improve production, grow the show and bring more guests and conversations to the podcast. Subscribe, like, comment and hit the notification bell so you don't miss the next episode. Open talk. Open minds. Open to all. 🏳️‍🌈 FOLLOW SPORTS OUT IN THE OPEN Instagram: instagram.com/sportsoutintheopen TikTok: tiktok.com/@sports.out.in.the.open Facebook: facebook.com/SportsOutintheOpen Threads: threads.com/@sportsoutintheopen X: x.com/sportsoutinopen Patreon: patreon.com/c/SportsOutintheOpen #SportsOutInTheOpen #LGBTQSports #SportsPodcast #NASCAR #MLB #NFL #Tennis

  5. Sep 30

    Interview with Martin Ricketts, Race and Being LGBTQ+ in Sports | Sports Out in the Open (2)

    Welcome to Sports Out in the Open, where sports, queer culture, history, and current events come together! Sports Out in the Open is an LGBTQ+ sports podcast hosted by Brittany Nevin and Brandon Washington. We cover sports history, journalism, queer topics, representation, and cultural issues from an independent perspective. In this episode, Brittany Nevin and Brandon Washington are joined by Martin Ricketts to discuss: 👋 Podcast Introduction (00:24) 🏳️‍🌈 Martin Ricketts Introduction (01:09) 🏟️ Sports Discipline & Youth Development (08:44) 🤼 World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) (13:24) 🥊 Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) (20:53) 🎙️ Martin Ricketts Current Journey in Sports (24:20) ⭐ Favorite Sport & Martial Artists (29:59) 🤝 Sports as a Unifying Force & Farewell (33:25) 🏈 NFL Schedule and Identity in Sports (38:26) 🏎‍🟀 Las Vegas F1, Athletics, Raiders, & Aces (47:23) 🎵 Robert Kraft Cancels Ed Sheeran (50:35) ⚽ Messi Retires From Football/Soccer (56:03) 👋 Looking Ahead & Farewell (57:54) Please consider becoming a Founding Member or Founding Fabulous Member on Patreon to help us operate the podcast, improve our production, and bring more guests to the show. Founding Fabulous Members will receive a postcard in the mail when an address is provided. Subscribe to join us as we bring queer voices and perspectives further into the sports conversation! #Sports #Pride #SportsPride

About

Sports Out In The Open - or SOooo - is where sports, culture, personality, and LGBTQ+ visibility all meet. 🏳️‍🌈🏈🏀⚾⚽🎾 We love sports, but we also know the best conversations rarely stop at the final score. SOooo is a sports podcast for fans who want the highlights, the history, the personalities, the controversies, the ridiculous moments, and the stories that deserve more attention. We talk about what happened, why it mattered, and occasionally why it had us staring at the screen asking, “What just happened?” Expect conversations about the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, International Football, Tennis, Track and Field, the Olympics, and plenty more. We’ll celebrate incredible performances, revisit unforgettable moments in sports history, debate the biggest stories of the week, and shine a spotlight on LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches, executives, fans, and trailblazers who have always been part of the sports world. Our goal is simple: make sports conversation more open without making it less fun. This isn’t a podcast where LGBTQ+ sports stories get pushed into a separate corner. They’re part of the whole conversation - right alongside championships, rivalries, bad calls, wild stat lines, hot takes, historic moments, and the occasional athlete who simply has us saying, “Need we say anything else?” 😂 Whether you’re a lifelong sports fanatic, a casual fan, part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, or someone who just loves a good story, there’s a seat for you here. Real sports. Real conversations. Out in the Open.

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